Cypress County hosting ‘fire smart’ event for the public

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on May 3, 2025.

With summer, and therefore wildfire season, right around the corner, Cypress County is taking part in National FireSmart Day with a free talk hosted in Elkwater on Saturday.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cypress County Fire Services will be at the Elkwater Townsite Community Hall alongside Alberta Wildfire’s Prevention Branch to share various ways residents can do their part to keep homes, properties and vacation spots “fire smart.”

The purpose of this initiative is to prevent another large wildfire, says Cypress County Emergency Services co-ordinator and fire chief Jason Linton, such as the ones experienced in recent years in Jasper and Fort McMurray, and as such focuses strongly on urban settings surrounded by forest.

“We’re just gonna give a whole bunch of information, talk to residents, provide advice, and just really educate people about how to be fire smart and make their home and town of elk water more resilient to wildfires,” said Linton.

There will be fire apparatuses from both the County and Alberta Wildfire present for viewing throughout the event, as well as a barbecue lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help bring the community together in the name of fire safety.

For those unable to attend, Linton shared a few fire safety tips to help make homes Fire Smart.

“Try and keep your trees clear to about six feet up, and spaced so that fire can’t easily spread between them,” said Linton. “Also, keep combustible objects at least four to five feet from your house, so that if they burn, it’s less likely to spread to your home.”

He also noted the county is under a fire advisory, with no more fire permits issued. Recreational fires and burn barrels are still permitted.